Well-known journalist Alan Richie Taylor dies

The death has occurred of well-known music/entertainment news journalist and musician Alan Richie Taylor, known as Richie Taylor, who passed away on Sunday evening at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, following a stroke in July.

Mr Taylor, who was 61, was an important part of the vibrant 1970s Dublin music scene, playing with bands such as Rocky DeValera & the Gravediggers, and The Rhythm Kings.

He started his career as a music journalist in the mid-80s, first with In Dublin magazine, and then with the Sunday Press, where he was the paper’s main music critic until its closure in 1995. He co-authored one book, Irish Rock: Where It’s Come From, Where It’s At, Where It’s Going (Sidgwick & Jackson, 1992), and in the same year co-compiled the groundbreaking Various Artists double album, A to Z Irish Rock (Solid Records).

His time with the Sunday Press saw Taylor at the height of his writing career, as he interviewed major rock and pop stars of the day in various locations around world. He cared little for the idiosyncrasies of the rich and famous rock star, and his carefully structured feature writing often incurred the wrath and opprobrium of those that other writers less insightful would needlessly praise.

On the demise of the Sunday Press, Taylor - noted for his genial, gentlemanly nature and good sense of humour - embarked on a highly successful freelance career with numerous Irish tabloid newspapers. He is survived by his wife and three children.